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(ModeL) W. BEES 0N SWIMMING APPARATUS.

Patented July 5, 18 81.

iINVBNTOB WITNESSES: A

ATTOR EYS;

N. PETERS, Fholo-Lilhngnpher. Washington, nc.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM BEES ON, OF DILLON, MONTANA TERRITORY.

SWIMMING APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 243,834, dated July 5,1881.

Application filed March 24, 1881. (ModeL) To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM BEESON, of Dillon, in the county of BeaverHead and Territoryof Montana, have invented a new Improvement inSwimming Apparatus, of which the following is a full, clear, and exactdescription.

The invention relates to a noval construction of swimming apparatus, andit is in the nature of a detachable suit provided with pockets orreceptacles for the body and limbs, and having between the pockets forthe limbs a web portion, which acts like wings or fins, which, from themovement of the legs and arms, effect a propulsion through the water.

The invention also consists in the combination, with the wings, ofbraces and a guide-rod, as hereinafter more fully described.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure l is a front view of the apparatusas worn and expanded in use, and Fig. 2 is a section, on line as a: ofFig. 1, of the same.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

The component parts of the device are plain or wing portions and pocketportions, or a garment proper that receives the body and limbs of thewearer. Any suitable material of a flexible character may be used.

a is the body; I) b, the arms; 0 c, the legs, and d the hood orhead-coverin g, such portions forming the garment that fits snugly tothe wearer. The hood d is formed with a helmet, d, and the body portiona is slit at the front and shoulders, so that the garment can be put onand off readily, suitable fastenings being provided for securing theslits. The hands of the wearer project beyond the arm-pockets b andenter the pockets of hand-paddles e, which are to be manipulated by thehands alone to present their surface in the direction desired.

From the arm-pockets b to the outer end of the leg-pockets the wings ffextend, so as to cover the space at each side, and between the legs 0 isa membrane, 9, extending nearly to the feet. The side wings,f, arefitted with curved ribs h, of wood or other stiff material, whichprevent the wings from folding in their middle portion.

Above the arms is a cross-bar, 70, extending to the hand at-each side.The bars 70 h are curved backward at the ends, as shown in Fig. 2. Thisis for use in supporting the hands and arms of the wearer as they aremoved in and out, the hand or thumb being placed over the bar for thatpurpose. When the arms and legs of the wearer are stretched the wingsare taut and present an extended surface against the water for supportof the person. By manipulation of the feet, arms, and hands a balance ismaintained and propulsion attained.

As so far described Ihave only referred to my invention as applicable topropulsion through water. It found desirable, however, the sameprinciple and structure may be employed for flying through the air.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is-

l. The swimming apparatus consisting of a tight-fitting garment for thebody and limbs, having between the receptacles for the limbs a web orWing portion forming a component part of the suit, as described.

2. The combination, with the suit at, having arm and leg receptacles band c, and webs or wingsf, of the stiii'ening ribs h h, as and for thepurpose described.

3. The combination, with the suit at, having arm and leg receptacles band c, and webs or wings f, of the supporting-bar 70, substantially asand for the purpose described.

' WILLIAM BEESON.

Witnesses:

D. H. LATHAM, SAML. Gr. SMITH.

